With over 200 dining options on-site at Expo 2020, choosing where to eat can be overwhelming. FACT is here to help with our recommendations for snacks, coffee or a heartier meal at ‘the world’s greatest show.’
Adrift Burger Bar – Mobility District

After launching in Venice Beach last year, ADRIFT Burger Bar has expanded its footprint to international soil with a six-month pop-up at Expo 2020 Dubai. The new pop-up marks David Myers’ return to Dubai, where he launched three signature concepts in 2017. The no-fuss menu at ADRIFT Burger Bar Dubai features Myers’ celebrated burgers, available in single, double or triple, or a plant-based option. Menu highlights include The DM Burger, 1940s Classic Burger, Adrift Burger, Good Morning Burger, Curry Leaf Fries, Fried Button Mushrooms, Truffle Chips and Strawberry and Vanilla Milkshakes.

GO: Follow @adriftbydavidmyers on Instagram for more information.

ALBAIK – Opportunity District

Possibly the most popular place at Expo 2020 right now, homegrown Saudi brand ALBAIK has been serving quality food for over 40 years. The menu features a wide array of chicken, seafood, grilled and vegetarian options, served with ALBAIK’s famous Garlic Sauce.

GO: Follow @albaik on Instagram for more information.

Alkebulan – Jubilee, Food Hall 2

Alkebulan – the oldest name for Africa and translating to ‘Mother of Mankind’ or ‘Garden of Eden’ – is a culinary concept curated by award-winning chef Alexander Smalls, a classically trained opera singer-turned-restauranteur. The dining hall is a celebration of African cuisine, designed to showcase contemporary African food and music from across the continent. Each counter and concept – 11 in total – has its own unique design that honours the region’s individuality.

GO: Visit www.expo2020dubai.com for more information. 

Bombay Brasserie – India Pavilion

At the India Pavilion, Taj Dubai will showcase its designer Indian kitchen. Since opening its doors in London’s trendy Kensington neighbourhood in 1982, Bombay Brasserie has been highly regarded for its eclectic blend of classic and contemporary Indian cuisine. Fans of the restaurant can now experience authentic flavours from the many states of India throughout the Expo season. Featuring signature dishes and unique creations by Chef Ajay, the venue is also licensed so that guests can enjoy signature dishes with house beverages.

GO: Follow @bombaybrasseriedubai on Instagram for more information. 

Bread Ahead – Mobility District, Ground Floor

London-based bakery Bread Ahead makes its UAE debut at Expo 2020 Dubai. With a cult following with Londoners and food fanatics across the globe, Bread Ahead brings its signature doughnuts (try the classic vanilla or salted honeycomb and caramel combination) to Dubai. Sourdough pizzas will also be sold by the slice. Bread Ahead will also run a series of baking workshops with their on-site bakery school, led by masterful tutors.

GO: Visit https://eatapp.co for reservations and more information.

Canvas By Coffee Culture at Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion

Co-founded by Stephan Bhoyroo and Abulla Ibrahim Suhail, the dynamic coffee-fuelled community space offers ethically sourced coffee from an Emirati roastery, an extensive menu, and a cultural program designed as a spot for opportunists to gather. The coffee connoisseurs at Canvas by Coffee Culture have personally ventured out and handpicked the best coffee beans the region has to offer to ensure quality with every sip. On Saturday’s DJ Shef Codes will be spinning old school RnB tunes while guests can indulge in a glass of grape and enjoy the atmosphere. 

GO: Visit www.coffee-culture.ae for more information. 

Epochal Banquet by Bompas & Parr

Join immersive culinary experts Bompas & Parr for a pioneering culinary experience inspired by space, microbiology, artificial intelligence and hyperintelligence. The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet is a never-before-seen experience cooked up by UK-based multi-sensory experience design studio Bompas & Parr, in collaboration with Expo 2020 Dubai. Diners will have the opportunity to taste super-light delicacies formed using the same technique that NASA uses to collect comet dust; edible creations that glow in the dark; flavour-changing desserts; ultra-rare ingredients, including new-to-the-plate plants; and much more. The curated experience features a multi-course exploratory menu, designed to entertain and inspire, while exploring themes involving the future of food.

GO: Visit www.expo2020dubai.com for reservations and more information.

Kojaki – Opportunity District

A modern Korean restaurant with a Japanese blend, Kojaki makes its debut at Expo 2020 Dubai. Showcasing culinary creativity and an eponymous blend of Korean flair with Japanese essence, Kojaki is led by award-winning South Korean Chef Jin Chul Kim. Diners can enjoy small bites such as Kimpab, Deep-fried Baby Squid, or Blistered Shishito Peppers, followed by a selection of appetisers inclusive of Mun-eo Gui, Kara-age, Fried Tofu, and Chamchi. Indulgent mains include traditional Korean favourites such as Kimchi Jigae, Tteobokki, Korean Mac and Cheese, and Jajang Myeon.

GO: Follow @kojakidubai on Instagram for more information. 

Mokha 1450 Specialty Coffee at Jamaica Pavilion

Visitors to the Jamaica Pavilion can try the 100% authentic Jamaica Blue Mountain Grade One Coffee, one of the most expensive coffees in the world (and one of the rarest and most difficult to obtain), expertly prepared by Mokha 1450’s expert team of baristas. Guests will also experience first-hand Jamaica’s proud history, culture, as well as the country’s rich coffee tradition that spans several hundred years at Jamaica’s street party-style Pavilion.

GO: Visit www.mokha1450.com for more information.

RAVI Restaurant

RAVI’s is somewhat of a Dubai institution. The popular, unassuming eatery has been dishing up an array of traditional Pakistani and Indian fare for decades in Satwa. Now at Expo 2020, indulge in a range of Pakistani curries and fresh naan bread, while the waiters will inform you of the day’s selection and give recommendations based on popularity and taste preferences. The menu consists of breakfast, lunch and dinner options, all with a selection of rice, bread, chicken, mutton and curry.

GO: Follow @ravirestaurantsuae for more information.

Rising Flavours Food Hall – Jubilee, Food Hall 1

The Rising Flavours Food Hall is inspired by the GCC countries, shining a light on the region’s cultures and cuisines. The three-storey dining hall highlights the range and creativity of the Gulf region’s vibrant and ever-evolving food scene and celebrates talents born or nurtured in the GCC. Conceived by industry figureheads from the region, the ground floor is home to a regularly rotating lineup of culinary pods featuring chefs and restaurants that demonstrate the gastronomic variety of each GCC country, including concepts from the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

GO: Visit www.expo2020dubai.com for more information.

Talabat Kitchen

Named as Official Food Delivery Provider for the world’s biggest cultural gathering, talabat will offer 30 brands and 15 different cuisines, with ten autonomous delivery vehicles, plus a robotic ice-cream confectioner and barista. Catering to dine-in and delivery customers, with talabat riders delivering to fixed locations throughout Expo’s site, the region’s leading food delivery and quick commerce platform will offer exciting global cuisines in innovative and efficient ways. Diners can use the talabat Kitchen screens or the talabat app to place their order, with meals delivered on a dedicated conveyer belt.

GO: Visit www.expo2020dubai.com for more information.

The Irish Village – Jubilee Park

Recreating the culture and hospitality of a traditional Irish pub, The Irish Village offers a small piece of Ireland in the heart of Dubai. The venue provides generously portioned cuisine rooted in family-style meals, accompanied by a selection of hops and a garden-style atmosphere.

GO: Visit www.theirishvillage.com for more information.

The Jubilee Gastronomy Restaurant – Al Wasl Rooftop

Jubilee Gastronomy presents a schedule of unique gastronomy experiences at their signature Chef’s Table concept. Hosting an intimate lunch and dinner degustation experience every Tuesday throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, 26 of the world’s greatest chefs will create a signature four and nine-course menu, followed by appearances from celebrated local chefs twice weekly. In addition, Jubilee’s signature menu by Chef Guilherme will be available throughout. Visiting names for October include Indian chef Vineet Bhatia, behind restaurant’s Zaika and Rasoi, London and Thomas Buehner, behind three Michelin star restaurant, La Vie in Osnabruck, Germany.

GO: Visit https://eatapp.co for reservations and more information.

The National by Geoffrey Zakarian – Al Wasl, Ground Floor

US-based chef Geoffrey Zakarian brings to life his vision of a contemporary grand café at The National. The menu offers Zakarian’s signature modern American cuisine – a style of cooking that has earned him critical acclaim. It’s fresh and accessible, concentrating on fresh ingredients prepared with classic techniques.

GO: Visit https://eatapp.cofor reservations and more information.

Tiaki Restaurant – New Zealand Pavillion

Serving contemporary native cuisine, visitors will learn how New Zealand’s ‘Care for People and Place’ theme extends to food production. As part of this journey through the country’s premium-quality and sustainable produce, Comvita’s globally recognised UMF Grade Mãnuka honey will add pure goodness to a selection of savoury dishes and desserts. From Whipped Kãpiti Kikorangi blue cheese, roasted beets and Comvita Mãnuka honey dressing to slow-cooked venison in a horopito rub with sweet potato mash and Comvita Mãnuka honey and juniper jus to Comvita Mãnuka honey cake and Anzac biscuit ice cream sandwich with Comvita Mãnuka honey ice cream – there will be multiple chances to savour one of Expo’s buzziest culinary collaborations. 

GO: Visit www.nzatexpo.givt.nz/tiaki  for more information.